This special plenary, sponsored by the TMS Materials Innovation Committee, will take a closer look at transformational materials and manufacturing processes that offer significant gains to more rapid commercialization. Key findings that point to future direction in manufacturing innovation will be featured.

Presentation: "International Space Station as an Innovation Laboratory: Materials Research and Beyond"

Abstract
Over the past decades, orbiting research facilities have been available for occasional studies of materials processing and shown unique potential. With the International Space Station (ISS) designated as a National Laboratory, and completed in 2012, industry now has the ability to access this unique laboratory for improvements to materials processing, solidification, studies of complex matter and fluid processes, and control of physical properties. Early spaceflight results have led to such developments as LiquidMetal™ and new turbine blade production methods. These path finding results are only a small indicator of what is available to the community using the facilities now available on the International Space Station.

FRANK W. GAYLEDeputy Director, Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Presentation: "The National Network for Manufacturing Innovation"

Abstract
The National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) is an Administration Initiative to create an effective manufacturing research infrastructure for U.S. industry and academia to solve industry-relevant problems. The NNMI will consist of linked Institutes for Manufacturing Innovation (IMIs) with the common goal of enhancing the development of manufacturing processes for new innovations in the research lab. Each IMI will allow industry, academia, and government partners to leverage existing resources, collaborate, and co-invest to nurture manufacturing innovation and accelerate commercialization.

As sustainable manufacturing innovation hubs, IMIs will create, showcase, and deploy new capabilities, new products, and new processes that can impact large-scale commercial production. They will build workforce skills at all levels and enhance manufacturing capabilities in companies large and small. Institutes will draw together the best talents and capabilities from all the partners to build the proving grounds where innovations flourish and to help advance American domestic manufacturing.

ROBERT IVESTERDeputy Program Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Office, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Presentation: "New Approaches to Manufacturing Innovation in DOE"

Abstract
The Advanced Manufacturing Office at the U.S. Department of Energy invests in next generation materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes that are often revolutionary, rather than evolutionary, in terms of performance and life-cycle energy or economic impact. The investment portfolio includes current and planned investments in innovative projects and shared user facilities that bring together industry, small business, universities and other researchers and manufacturing stakeholders. The office focuses on high-impact, foundational technologies that will make the United States a leader in the global advanced manufacturing and clean energy technology markets.

TRESA POLLOCKAlcoa Professor of Materials and Chair, Materials Department, University of California at Santa Barbara

Abstract
Now that ICME is recognized as a nascent discipline and awareness is growing worldwide, we are at a critical juncture. ICME implementation on a much wider scale is needed to accelerate (and significantly reduce costs of) the design and manufacturing of new materials systems. In order to continue the momentum and unlock the great potential of ICME, a focused effort has been undertaken to define the pathway(s) to rapid implementation of ICME for practical industrial problems. More specifically, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) is leading this study to identify, prioritize, and make detailed recommendations of the frameworks and key steps needed for near-term implementation of ICME in three industrial sectors - the automotive, aerospace, and maritime industries. This effort also strongly supports the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI). The final report is intended to be a "field manual" for ICME implementation and will be disseminated at the 2nd World Congress on ICME in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 7-11, 2013. TMS is coordinating this study on behalf of the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation. This presentation will provide an overview of the status and planned final report of this study.